Social Distancing Culture

"Ah, what a time to be social distancing," Said no one ever.

This is a weird time, people. But what I find even weirder (and really cool!) is just how much we are finding ways to come together when we otherwise wouldn't.

Online, people are reaching out to each other and everyone is helping each other feel a little less lonely without physically leaving their own home! Everyone is acknowledging their own feelings and emotions through this time and realizing that others are feeling this way too!

Americans, especially, have typically always held in their true emotions or only showcased their "best lives" on social media. Suddenly, more and more people are sharing their REAL emotions online and helping others who are going through the same thing. This sharing of true, honest, and raw emotions, feelings, and experiences has been truly amazing to see. It has opened a very important door in the world of social media where people can now feel comfortable and confident revealing what they are truly going through during this time.

Even while on a run last week, I was about to pass an older woman who was coming in the opposite direction. We both moved to opposite sides of the sidewalk to keep distance, but looked up at each other, she gave me the cutest "thumb's up" and smile and it made my day.

On just about every run I have gone on during this time, I have encountered some sort of positive and encouraging interaction from others. When, before all of this, people were just ignoring strangers while on trails.

People are sharing their latest projects, artwork, extravagant home-cooked meals and baked goods, alternative workouts, and ways to stay healthy and maintain motivation.

You walk outside and see a grown man kicking a soccer ball against his house or a woman using her porch steps and some canned food for a workout, or someone just running a couple laps in their driveway. And for the first time, you don't find it weird! You're immediately understanding and don't think anything else of this extreme goofiness. I mean, yes, it's still goofy, but it's okay and it's accepted.

And, I mean, some places are getting REALLY goofy. Here in Fort Collins, CO, entire neighborhoods are flocking outside their doors to howl at the moon. That's right...howl!

But back to my point...

This tragic circumstance is obviously unwanted and is doing some serious damage to our economy and our workforce. But...the good that's been pouring out of people is just remarkable. People are helping each other figure out how to cope with not working, with not being able to see loved ones, with not being able to just GO PLACES like we do so often. Those who are considered to be at a lower-risk of severe illness are offering to expose themselves to potential hazards and shop for their neighbors and loved ones who might be immune-compromised or at a higher risk of contracting the virus.

Yes, I believe this has created a new culture of sharing positivity, of reaching out to each other, and of helping each other just be safe. And yes, I believe that when things go back to any sort of normal they can, that we as a people will be better for it. I believe this newfound care for each other and realization that we can be vulnerable to others and share our experiences and efforts will have a huge impact on our daily lives down the road.

I believe we will learn how to better cooperate and communicate with one another. A part of this culture evolved from being alone and having to learn how to be alone with yourself. Through sharing our experiences of this, I believe people have become more emotionally aware of themselves and those they love. And we've learned how to, not only boost ourselves up, but how to boost each other up and truly help one another.

I don't think that will ever go away.

Someday, we'll all be able to do this again. And we'll have better experiences together now that we've learned how to be better to each other and make the most out of every moment.

I want to thank everyone who is still working as essential workers. From health professionals, to first responders, farmers, and grocery store employees and more...you always were and always will be essential. Thank you for continuing to serve and help everyone stay afloat during this time.